Landlords renting out a domestic dwelling are required by law to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), and be able to achieve an EPC rating of above F or G.
The official guidance states that an EPC is generally not required where the landlord can demonstrate that the building is protected as part of a designated environment, or because of its special architectural or historical merit.
The problem that arises here is how a landlord determines whether EPC requirements would ‘unacceptably alter the character or appearance’ of the property without having an EPC in the first place? The recommendation is to obtain a draft EPC to see what works are required and whether these would make the property exempt from needing an EPC and therefore from MEES too. Listed Living can carry out EPC tests on listed buildings and advise ways that the property could be made more energy efficient to comply with MEES standards.

As the EPC assessor at Listed Living is an accredited practising Conservation Officer with full membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), Listed Living can confirm if the works required to gain energy efficiency would be acceptable, or would cause harm to the special interest of the listed building. By offering the joint knowledge of an accredited EPC assessor and a conservation professional, landlords can access two services in one. This can give assurance and comfort to the landlord and save time getting their property let and bringing in revenue.